San Francisco-based Foundation Robotics has demonstrated its new tendon-driven robotic hand catching a baseball in mid-flight. The motors are located in the forearm rather than the fingers, with tendons pulling each joint open and closed, keeping the fingers slim and light enough to move quickly. The fingers can also splay sideways to cup around a ball or pinch small objects. The hand determines its finger positions without relying on sensors, using software calculations based on motor turns and tendon routing; magnetic sensors at each joint measure angles to under a degree but serve only as a backup layer. The throw is planned in advance, and the hand is not yet reacting to touch, with tactile feedback planned for later. This hand is intended for Foundation’s Phantom humanoids, which are designed for industrial work on factory floors.